How to Prepare Your Site for Delivery Setup?

Mann's Cans
Dec 9
5 min read

AI Summary

Preparing your site before delivery ensures safe placement, easy access, and a smooth installation process for shipping containers.
Key steps include choosing a level surface, clearing obstacles, confirming access space, and planning for long-term use.
Proper preparation protects your property and helps avoid delays, added costs, or placement challenges.
Mann’s Cans provides guidance to ensure the delivery day goes smoothly for both standard and custom-built containers.

Preparing your property for a shipping container delivery is one of the most important steps in ensuring a safe and stress-free setup. Whether you are planning to use your container for storage, workspace conversion, commercial operations, or a custom build-out, the placement area needs to be properly prepared before the truck arrives. Without preparation, issues like uneven ground, blocked access, soft soil, or tight maneuvering space can complicate delivery or even prevent placement altogether.

This guide explains exactly how to prepare your site for a successful container delivery, what pitfalls to avoid, and how a well-prepared area ensures long-term functionality.

The Problem: Many Delivery Sites Aren’t Ready for Large Containers

Shipping containers are heavy, long, and require professional handling. Delivery trucks need ample space to maneuver, and placement requires a stable base. Common problems include:

Driveways or pathways too narrow for delivery trucks
Overhead tree branches, wires, or structures are blocking placement
Soft or uneven soil causes containers to tilt or sink
Debris, vehicles, or equipment blocking the placement area
Poor long-term site planning leads to accessibility issues later
Underestimating the space required for 20 ft and 40 ft containers

These issues can lead to rescheduling, additional fees, or the need to choose a different placement spot on delivery day. Site preparation removes uncertainty and ensures your project begins smoothly.

The Solution: Step-by-Step Site Preparation for Container Delivery

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

Selecting the best location is the foundation of a successful delivery. Consider how the container will be used both immediately and long-term.

Key things to consider:

Accessibility: The container should be placed where you can easily access doors and walkways.
Ground stability: Avoid areas prone to flooding, erosion, or soft soil.
Proximity to structures: Ensure adequate clearance for opening container doors fully.
Future needs: If you plan to modify the container or install utilities, choose a spot with expansion in mind.

Driveways, gravel pads, and compacted soil areas are typically the best choices for placement.

Step 2: Ensure the Ground Is Level and Stable

A level surface is essential for proper container placement. An uneven base can cause:

Difficulty opening and closing doors
Water is pooling inside the container
Structural strain on the frame
Shifting or sinking over time

How to prepare the ground:

Clear the area of rocks, roots, and debris
Fill low spots and compact the soil
Add gravel if the ground is soft or uneven
Use concrete pads or treated timbers for added stability

A stable foundation improves drainage and increases the lifespan of both the container and whatever you store inside it.

Step 3: Make Sure the Delivery Truck Can Access Your Property

Delivery trucks require space to maneuver, especially when delivering 40 ft containers. Depending on the size, trucks may need between 60 and 100 feet of straight access to properly tilt and lower the unit.

Check for the following access issues:

Narrow driveways
Tight turns
Low-hanging branches or wires
Parked vehicles
Fences, gates, or landscaping features

If your property has tight access points, sending photos or videos in advance can help determine whether delivery is possible or whether another placement location is better.

Step 4: Clear the Entire Placement Area

The delivery zone must be completely clear before the truck arrives. This includes removing:

Vehicles
Trailers
Outdoor furniture
Tools, equipment, or construction materials
Lawn décor or hardscaping obstacles

A fully cleared area allows the driver to safely back up, tilt the truck bed, and release the container with precision.

Step 5: Consider Weather and Soil Conditions

Seasonal weather plays a big role in container delivery setup, especially in Western Pennsylvania, where heavy rain, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles affect soil stability.

During wet seasons:

Avoid soft, muddy areas
Add gravel for stability and drainage
Ensure the truck won’t get stuck on unpaved surfaces

In winter:

Clear snow and ice
Salt icy surfaces
Mark the edges of the placement area for visibility

A weather-aware plan helps prevent delays and protects your property.

Step 6: Plan for Long-Term Use and Modifications

Your container’s long-term purpose affects how you prepare your site today. If you plan to install electricity, insulation, windows, doors, or custom interiors, choose a spot with room to expand and access utilities.

Ask yourself:

Will I need to run electrical lines or exterior conduits?
Is drainage adequate to avoid moisture buildup?
Will the container ever need to be moved?
Will equipment, like forklifts or vehicles, need access?

Planning ahead prevents costly repositioning later.

Step 7: Mark the Exact Placement Location

Before delivery, mark the placement area using cones, stakes, or flags. This helps the driver position the container precisely where you want it.

Mark the following clearly:

The front and back edges of the container
The direction you want the doors to face
Any boundaries the driver should avoid

Accurate markings save time and ensure proper alignment.

Step 8: Know Whether You Need to Be Present

In most cases, you do not need to be home at the time of delivery as long as everything is clearly prepared. However, being on-site can be helpful if:

You want to supervise placement
Last-minute adjustments are needed
The site has tight or unusual access points

If you're not available, confirm placement details in writing ahead of time.

Step 9: Communicate Special Instructions

Every property is unique. If your driveway slopes, your access road is narrow, or your placement area requires careful navigation, communicate these details early.

Examples of special instructions:

Avoiding septic systems or underground utilities
Keeping distance from retaining walls
Approaching from one direction only due to the turning radius
Ensuring placement near a future work zone

Clear communication ensures the driver arrives prepared and confident.

FAQ Section

Q: How much space does the truck need to deliver a container?

A: About 60 to 100 feet of straight clearance, depending on the container size.

Q: Can a container be placed close to my house or building?

A: Yes, but ensure there is enough space to open the doors fully and avoid drainage issues.

Q: Will preparing my site reduce the risk of damage?

A: Absolutely. Proper preparation protects driveways, lawns, and the container itself.

Q: Should I prepare differently for a custom-built container?

A: Yes. Custom units may require additional clearance for windows, doors, or utility connections.

Get Your Site Ready for a Smooth Delivery Experience

A well-prepared site makes container delivery efficient, safe, and stress-free. With the right setup, you ensure proper placement, protect your property, and set the stage for long-term use.

Whether you're planning for storage, a workspace conversion, or a fully custom build-out, Mann’s Cans is here to help you every step of the way.

Call 724-790-5040 or fill out the online form to schedule your delivery or request guidance on preparing your property. We’re committed to making your setup process smooth, reliable, and ready for success.